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In just 10 days, America will celebrate its 240th birthday. And for the 69th straight year, Central Minnesotans can culminate that day by enjoying the 2016 St. Cloud Area July 4th Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Long one of the best fireworks displays in the Upper Midwest, this year's 20-minute show will fill the night sky above the Mississippi River between Wilson and Hester parks with reds, whites and blues — plus a little "purple rain" to honor the passing of Minnesota musical genius Prince.

The focus of the day, though, is red, white and blue. Look no further than a couple of replicas of the Declaration of Independence to be displayed in the two parks starting about 4 p.m. until showtime. Both will be accompanied by costumed characters representing our nation's Founding Fathers. And residents will even have the opportunity to sign their names to these replicas.

"As we celebrate this day and tradition," said lead fireworks organizer Tom Richardson, "it's important we remember our history and recall what it took to form the United States of America."

These displays are possible thanks to donations of time, talent and treasure from dozens of people, businesses and organizations in the area.

While more such help is always needed, this year Richardson said donations should meet or exceed last year's total of about $65,000. The funds should cover hard costs, but there are many in-kind donations that cannot be overlooked. For example, like last year's show, this year's benefits from the donation of a barge already in the river and being used for the Beaver Island Trail extension project.

"We are grateful for the new donors as well as those longtime donors who have increased their help this year," he said. Among those are Bernick's, ATS, Gray Plant Mooty, Pleasureland, Gilleland Chevrolet, Times Media, Knife River, Granite City Motor Car and Falcon Bank.

"Our themes for this great day are history, tradition and celebration," Richardson said. "We need more help to move the needle and build for the future so we can always honor our Founding Fathers and celebrate America's birthday."